The latest episode of the popular South Korean reality dating show 나는 SOLO, 그 후 사랑은 계속된다 (I Am Solo: Love Continues) aired on April 9, 2026, and it delivered a whirlwind of surprises, strategy, and shifting alliances that left both contestants and viewers reeling. The episode, broadcast on ENA and SBS Plus, showcased the second round of date selections for the season’s ten solo men and women, and it quickly became clear that no one’s place was secure.
The evening’s format was simple yet ripe for drama. According to SBS Plus, the date selection was a joint affair: the women would choose their daytime partners, while the men would later select their nighttime dates. This structure set the stage for unexpected twists, as personal preferences, strategic thinking, and budding romances collided in real time.
One of the night’s most talked-about moments came when 17기 순자 (the 17th season’s Sunja) made her choice. Despite previously expressing clear affection for 20기 영식 (the 20th season’s Youngsik), she bypassed him and instead chose 27기 영철 (the 27th season’s Youngchul) as her daytime date. This decision stunned not only the viewers but also the show’s MCs and contestants. As reported by 뉴스1, MC Defconn couldn’t hide his surprise, exclaiming, “Oh, she’s going there? After that interview?” He added, “That’s a bit bitter, isn’t it?” as Youngsik’s disappointment became apparent on screen.
Sunja later explained her reasoning in a candid interview with the producers, saying, “I wanted to avoid a multi-person date. Everyone’s first choice was Youngsik, so after experiencing a four-to-one date, it just didn’t appeal to me. I thought I’d talk to Youngchul first, then see more of Youngsik.” This strategic move, designed to sidestep the chaos of group dates, left Youngsik visibly taken aback. The MCs speculated about the potential fallout, with Defconn noting, “You changed your strategy. Let’s see what comes of this.”
But Sunja wasn’t the only one making waves. 24기 순자 (the 24th season’s Sunja) also initially favored Youngsik but, after being rejected by him during a morning conversation, pivoted to choose 18기 영호 (the 18th season’s Youngho) for her date. 15기 순자 (the 15th season’s Sunja) followed a similar path, selecting Youngho for his wit and sense, saying, “He seems clever and sensible, so I thought it would be nice to talk to him.” As a result, Youngho found himself the center of attention, set up for a multi-person date with both Sunjas.
Meanwhile, 25기 영자 (the 25th season’s Yeongja) faced her own dilemma. Favored by multiple male contestants—including 13기 상철 (the 13th season’s Sangcheol), 15기 영철, 18기 영호, and 27기 영철—she ultimately chose Youngsik, despite having had little opportunity to talk with him. According to SBS Plus, this left both Sunja and Youngsik surprised, as Sunja had hoped for a different outcome and Youngsik hadn’t expected to be chosen by Yeongja.
The surprises didn’t end there. The last to choose, 27기 현숙 (the 27th season’s Hyunsook), picked Sangcheol, breaking a prior promise to select Youngho. This decision created a ripple of shock among the cast, with Hyunsook’s change of heart adding yet another layer of unpredictability to the proceedings.
For 15기 영철, the night brought only disappointment. For the second time, he received zero votes and was left to eat alone—a fate known on the show as the “lonely meal.” Reflecting on his experience, Youngchul said, “I didn’t expect this. I thought I might eat alone once, but not twice. Maybe I wasn’t proactive enough. I tried to stay as calm as possible.” His candid admission, reported by SBS Plus, added a touch of vulnerability to the otherwise competitive atmosphere.
Behind the scenes, the emotional stakes were just as high. According to 톱스타뉴스, Youngsik and Sunja had been steadily building a deeper connection in the days leading up to the selection. The two exchanged heartfelt advice on styling and confessions, with Youngsik reassuring Sunja when she felt uncertain about her outfit choices. “You’re not dating the other guys, are you? If you look good to me, that’s enough,” he told her, bolstering her confidence. In his own interview, Youngsik admitted, “Even after Youngho’s harsh comments, Sunja looked just fine to me. My feelings for her have grown even stronger since yesterday.”
Sunja, for her part, confessed to her friends that she was drawn to Youngsik’s maturity, saying, “Even though he looks young, when we talk and our eyes meet, he feels so much more dependable. Sometimes it’s hard to look him in the eye.” She also noted the contrast between Youngsik’s composed energy and Youngchul’s more youthful, playful vibe—a difference that became a focal point for both the cast and viewers.
The tension ratcheted up further when Youngchul made an unexpected visit to the women’s dormitory to call Sunja out for a private conversation. This bold move injected new suspense into the already tangled web of relationships, leaving viewers to wonder how Sunja would respond to Youngchul’s assertiveness after building trust with Youngsik.
As the dust settled, the episode left fans buzzing about the developing love triangle between Sunja, Youngsik, and Youngchul. The dynamic interplay of strategy, sincerity, and shifting loyalties has become the season’s central narrative, drawing in audiences who are eager to see how these relationships will evolve. The MCs, too, are keeping a close watch, with Defconn remarking on the unpredictability of the contestants’ choices and the potential for future drama.
With each episode, 나는 SOLO, 그 후 사랑은 계속된다 continues to capture the complexities of modern romance—where strategy can be just as important as sincerity, and where every choice has the potential to upend expectations. As the show airs every Thursday at 10:30 PM, fans are left eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this ever-evolving story of love, competition, and self-discovery.
Sometimes, in the world of reality dating, the only thing you can count on is that nothing will go according to plan.